Nirbhaya case: Delhi High Court refuses to stay release of juvenile convict, to be released

Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to stay the release of the juvenile convict in the December 16 gang-rape case after completion of his 3-year jail term.

The convict will be released on or before December 20.

“We cannot prohibit juvenile’s release as per the statutory and existing provision of law,” said the court.

The court also asked Juvenile Board to interact with convict, his guardians and officials of Delhi government regarding his post release rehabilitation.

Reacting to the court’s order, Nirbhaya’s mother said, “Even after all our efforts, the juvenile convict will now be released.”

Two days ago, in a brave homage to her daughter, the mother of the victim took her name in public.

The 23-year-old paramedical student Jyoti Singh was brutally sexually assaulted on the ill-fated night of December 16 three years ago, and died 13 days later, triggering a massive public outrage. Among many, her spirit continued to live, and in tribute she was given the name ‘Nirbhaya’ or brave heart.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had pleaded that the juvenile convict should not be released till it is demonstrably assured that he has reformed himself and was not a menace to the society.

Earlier in the day, the parents of the victim had expressed hope that the court would take a decision in favour of the society.

“If someone like him gets released, it clearly shows the helplessness of the government and the law of our country. We hope that the High Court takes the decision in favour of the society because even the High Court knows the suffering of my daughter,” Nirbahaya’s mother said.

“I have been reiterating that the juvenile shouldn’t be released, he has not committed a fault, he has committed a crime,” she added.